Hi all...Yes, I did do a search first for this topic so please don't get angry with me! But I'm really at a loss on tis one and I could use some help, please?!

I've read (on here) that TJ's (I've got a 97 4cyl) do NOT have Mass Air Flow Sensors...HOWEVER, when I called my local dealership's svc. department yesterday a guy in the shop told me they DO have on and transferred me to the Parts Dept. so they could tell me where it was located...I'm told it's next to the manifold. A little vague but now I'm confused.

Do 97 Wranglers have or NOT have Mass Air Flow Sensors?

The reason I'm asking is this:
Engine bogging down, Gas Mileage has dropped from about 18-22mpg to oh um gee...77 miles is now a full tank of gas for me (12 gallon tank) and lest I forget the "GO GO GADGET BLACK SMOKE" that I've got billowing out the back when I'm accelerating. I know it's running rich and I need to fix her! I checked the diagnostic codes and I got P0171 "System Too Lean, Bank 1" and the only error coming up on my odometer is code 12 which tells me the battery has been disconnected within the last 50 starts. SO, tune up was done, fuel injecter cleaner dropped in the tank and now I'm reading that 9 times out of 10 if you just clean the MAF sensor it will solve alot of the problems...of course it could be my 02 Sensor too...

I don't see a mass air flow sensor listed anywhere in the '97 factory service manual, just a MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor someone might have confused for the mass air flow sensor. Running rich usually means a bad upstream (nearest to the exhaust manifold) 02 sensor. But I don't know what could be causing the black smoke other than bad engine rings.

So maybe if I have a exhaust leak upstream from the O2 sensor it's getting confused and dumping too much fuel...ya think?

Your 97 TJ's 02 sensors are old and when the upstream 02 sensor goes bad, and they do go bad, it will incorrectly tell the computer the mixture is too lean which will then make it way too rich. I'd start by replacing the upstream 02 sensor. The downstream 02 sensor mounted on the catalytic converter has nothing to do with this so don't waste your $$$ replacing it too.

I called the dealership that I bought it at...Harrisburg Chrysler Jeep

I really appreciate the help guys.

How difficult is it to get to the upstream O2 sensor? What's it near?
I've got a Hayne's manual on my list of things to pick up...I know, it's all there but can anyone tell me what the O2 sensor is close to?

I hate to sound stupid...like maybe I should know these things but I'm learning as I'm doing!

The upstream sensor should be mounted just below the exhaust manifold. It threads into the exhaust just like a spark plug does and is replaced pretty much the same way. Just make sure the new 02 sensor you buy has four wires (some only have two wires) and that it has the same plug as your existing 02 sensor does. You can find an 02 sensor meant for the TJ that will have the right plug on the wiring but generic 02 sensors won't.

I called the dealership that I bought it at...Harrisburg Chrysler Jeep

I really appreciate the help guys.

How difficult is it to get to the upstream O2 sensor? What's it near?
I've got a Hayne's manual on my list of things to pick up...I know, it's all there but can anyone tell me what the O2 sensor is close to?

I hate to sound stupid...like maybe I should know these things but I'm learning as I'm doing!

Thanks again.

No sweat , we all had to learn this stuff too .

If You're sure that's the part You need , I can help You get it much less $$$ than Hbg. Jeep would want for it .

Do this : Call Warner Chrysler Jeep in Hummelstown at 717-566-2519
Ext. 5 for parts . One of my best wheeling buddies is the parts manager there .
Ask for Scott Minich and tell him Sean ~ the Rausch Creek / High - N- Mighty trail guide referred You .
He just told me they have one in stock and that he'll sell it to You at my price .

Sean

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